Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras 2010 - 2011, Recommended Best Buys!

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Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Digital SLRs (also known as DSLRs) are very popular now, with improved features and a dramatic drop in prices. Once only within the realms of professionals, the main advantage of a DSLR versus a point and shoot camera is higher image quality due to larger imager size, larger and better lenses, and better processors. DSLRs also give you more manual control over the camera, can shoot in RAW (uncompressed) mode, and give you better depth of field.

As these digital SLRs cameras became more popular and capable, many amateurs and enthusiasts are attracted to their exceptional picture quality and responsiveness. While an SLR gives you a whole array of shooting options at your fingertips, including manual control and the ability to change lenses and add accessories like external flashes as you need, the decision to acquire one, however, can be a daunting one for someone who is just starting out. Recent SLR cameras have finally incorporated an HD movie mode. The latest versions of this compare favorably with some of the best HD video camcorders in terms of resolution and video quality.

In the Spotlight

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

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Why do people use digital SLRs?

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

The design of a digital SLR is targeted towards a more precise and dynamic photo captures. Digital SLRs usually offers a better lens, larger image sensors, more extensive manual controls and are mostly equipped with faster engines, or internal processing power, for almost instant responsiveness. Where many point-and-shoot users experience some degree of lag time when they push the button to take a picture, a digital SLR responds instantaneously to a press of the shutter button. That means you'll capture your subjects at exactly the right moment, resulting in fewer missed shots. Finally, the ability to switch lenses depending on what your subject happens to be gives SLRs a degree of versatility unmatched by smaller pocket cams.

Online Reviews

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Sound Advice: Instead of a digital SLR camera, try this Olympus model
Q. We are in the market for a mid-range digital SLR camera and need your advice on what model we should consider. We need something easy to use that takes very sharp pictures. We travel a great deal, love to take pictures and are planning a trip to ...
HDR Expose 2.0 Review: Refined High-Dynamic-Range Image Creation
Digital SLR cameras' dynamic range--their ability to capture image data from light to dark--is improving all the time, but cameras will always be limited by lens mechanics. Since a camera lens can use only one aperture (lens opening size) per shot, ...
Canon EOS 5D MK III review
But, surprisingly, it was Canon that swooped in, and hoovered up the newly established video-from-SLR market. The D90 was never able to produce video sufficient for professional use, but with the original 5D, Canon made incredible progress.
Gadling Gear Review: Lowepro Event Messenger 250 and Flipside 500 AW
As amateur photographers have gotten more sophisticated, the digital SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) cameras have grown into the best selling segment of the market. These cameras are popular because they not only offer great image quality and fast performance ...

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Amazon Price: $2,880.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $3,199.00

Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames. Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps -- for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism. The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full-frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available -- from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.

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Canon EOS 60D

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $1,177.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $1,299.00

The EOS 60D features a new, Canon-designed 18.0-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution, it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth. The EOS 60D also features an EOS first: A Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1,040,000 dots) monitor for easy low- or high-angle viewing. An improved viewfinder, a number of new in-camera creative options and filters, plus HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV all make the EOS 60D invaluable for the evolving photographer. With continuously curved surfaces, user-friendliness and exuding solidity and refinement, the EOS 60D is true digital inspiration!

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Nikon D7000

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens

Amazon Price: $1,396.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $1,499.95

Whether you want to make large prints or crop tightly in an image, the D7000 delivers the resolution you need. At its heart is a DX-format CMOS image sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels, optimally engineered to gather more quality light through sharp NIKKOR lenses. Coupled with 14-bit A/D conversion (12-bit selectable), the D7000 produces stunning images that are richer in tone and detail than previously possible in DX format. The A/D conversion happens within the sensor, thereby maintaining exceptional image integrity without sacrificing shooting speed or energy efficiency. Combine these with the agile DX format and its signature 1.5x focal length telephoto potential and you can begin to see where this kind of shooting power can take you.

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Canon EOS T3i

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $949.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $999.99

The EOS Rebel T3i has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops. This first-class sensor features many of the same new technologies as used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light-gathering efficiency. Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format). The Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor dramatically speeds up the entire EOS Rebel T3i DSLR's camera operations for intuitive operation and offers improvements in both fine detail and natural color reproduction. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel T3i DSLR's CMOS Image Sensor to achieve phenomenal levels of performance in nearly any situation.

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Nikon D3100

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $546.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $649.00

Nikon's affordable, compact and lightweight D3100 digital SLR features a high-resolution 14-megapixel CMOS DX sensor, high-quality 3x NIKKOR 18-55mm VR image stabilization zoom lens and intuitive onboard assistance including the learn-as-you grow Guide Mode. Capture beautiful pictures and amazing Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus. Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus. Capture pictures and make movies in near darkness with an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (expandable to 12800-Hi2). EXPEED 2, Nikon's new image processing engine, assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure and noise.

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Canon EOS 7D

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $1,748.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $2,299.99

The EOS 7D features a Canon-designed 18.0-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth. Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors ensure that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 7D's ability to capture and process data of images shot at 18.0 Megapixels at 8 fps, as well as Face Detection Live Mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral optimization are all possible thanks to the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors.

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Nikon D5100

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $646.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $849.00

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene, capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision, create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key, emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show.

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Nikon D90 DX

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $1,199.00

Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.

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Canon EOS T2i

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor Full-HD Movie Mode Digital SLR Camera and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens

Amazon Price: $849.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $899.00

Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created. The EOS Rebel T2i has an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops.

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Nikon D5000

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

Amazon Price: $830.99 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly-advanced DSLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon's EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly. The D5000's 24-fps HD D-Movie mode with sound captures video clips with amazing clarity--offering new and exciting creative opportunities. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus with 3D Tracking, teamed with famous NIKKOR optics, assures incredible image sharpness, while active image sensor cleaning combats annoying dust automatically.

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Canon EOS T1i

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Amazon Price: $550.00 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Canon's EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.

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Sony A55

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Sony A55VHZ 16.2 MP Digital SLR with Translucent Mirror Technology and SAL18-250 Lens Kit

Amazon Price: $979.02 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $1,049.00

Change the way you shoot pictures with Sony's new Translucent Mirror Technology DSLR camera. The SLT-A55V Alpha DSLR camera features professional-grade continuous shooting at 10 fps and visibly faster, more accurate focus in Live View and HD Movie modes. Compose your shots on either the LCD monitor or electronic viewfinder with 100% framing accuracy. Advanced features including Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama and 15-point Auto Focus make it dramatically easier to get the best shot. Unlike other DSLRs that can either shoot or focus with the speed and precision of Phase Detection AF, the SLT-A55V is the world's first DSLR that can do both simultaneously1. Featuring an unprecedented Translucent Mirror, the a55V DSLR camera is able to feed both the image sensor and the Phase Detection at the same time.

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Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

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Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

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Digital SLR on the Blogs

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Which DSLR Camera Is Right for You?
Whether you use a smartphone or a point-and-shoot as your primary camera, if you're serious about photography, all paths lead toward a digital SLR (single-lens reflex) model. With their large image sensors, interchangeable lenses and a seemingly ...
PENTAX Introduces New K-30 Digital SLR Camera
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new weather and dust resistant digital SLR camera ? the PENTAX K-30. Ideal for photographers with active outdoor lifestyles, the new PENTAX K-30 combines a compact, ...
Canon EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D Digital SLR Cameras of Choice for Stunts and ...
LAKE SUCCESS, NY, May 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Canon USA, Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that its EOS 5D Mark II and 7D Digital SLR cameras have been used on the set of Marvel's latest movie, "Marvel's The Avengers ...
Pentax K30 features
Despite its compact camera body, which is smaller and lighter than traditional mid level digital SLR cameras, the new Pentax K-30 camera comes equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92X maximum ...

Digital SLR in the News

Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Sound Advice: Instead of a digital SLR camera, try this Olympus model
Q. We are in the market for a mid-range digital SLR camera and need your advice on what model we should consider. We need something easy to use that takes very sharp pictures. We travel a great deal, love to take pictures and are planning a trip to ...
Which DSLR Camera Is Right for You?
Whether you use a smartphone or a point-and-shoot as your primary camera, if you're serious about photography, all paths lead toward a digital SLR (single-lens reflex) model. With their large image sensors, interchangeable lenses and a seemingly ...
Pentax Debuts K-30 Digital SLR, 50mm f/1.8 Lens
By Jim Fisher Pentax has been producing weather-sealed D-SLRs since the K10D, which was introduced way back in 2006. Its newest camera, the K-30, continues that tradition?and does so at a price that is astounding when you consider its features.
Online Photography Class Available: You can Take Better Photos Now
This course is designed to help every type of camera owner, whether you own the most expensive digital SLR camera or you just want to learn to take better pictures with the camera on your cell phone. The class includes 5 different online videos ...

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Amazon Spotlight 

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ...

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Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second

Amazon Price: $13.07 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The first book in the Understanding Photography series, Understanding Exposure, was a runaway best-seller, with more than 250,000 copies sold. Now author Bryan Peterson brings his signature style to another important photography topic: shutter speed. With clear, jargon-free explanations ...

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